Company Launches New Tools to Evaluate Stress, Relationship Problems, and More

SUNRISE, FL--(Marketwired - June 10, 2016) - MDLIVE, the nation's leader in the rapidly growing virtual health market, today announced the launch of several new tools designed to help individuals evaluate their behavioral health needs. The company's teletherapy services are offered through Breakthrough, an MDLIVE company.

Breakthrough's new free online assessments ask users to answer a quick series of questions about symptoms, feelings, relationships, and/or recent life changes. In 2-3 minutes, assessment takers can learn about potential conditions they might be experiencing, like depression, anxiety, or stress, and the state of their behavioral health. The assessments do not give a diagnosis alone but can be a starting point for those wondering if they should seek professional help or wanting to work with a therapist on an appropriate treatment plan. Anyone wishing to take these no cost, no obligation assessments can visit www.breakthrough.com/behavioral-health-assessment.

In addition, the company also launched today tips and actionable advice for how couples can better communicate and manage disagreements on the MDLIVE blog. MDLIVE recently imitated a blog featuring practical advice from doctors on medical issues and behavioral conditions. This week Dr. John Sharp, MDLIVE's Chief Behavioral Health Officer issued the first in a new series on couples/relationship counseling and advice.

"How couples disagree is one of the most important indicators of the health of their relationship," says Dr. Sharp. "Conflicts happen -- it's inevitable -- and the state of your relationship can rest on how well you communicate with each other about these conflicts."

Dr. Sharp's strategies include avoiding overgeneralization and using particular phrasing for clearly expressing feelings to your partner. The content provides an outline and guidance for how to use these techniques in your relationship, but couples who would like help implementing or who want a personalized approach can visit with one of Breakthrough's more than 1,000 licensed therapists right from the comfort of their own home. According to Dr. Sharp, couples therapy is something where a little help can go a long way.

"In couples therapy, you can make rapid gains and learn new techniques right away that will improve your relationship," he says. "It usually doesn't take multiple sessions or a long period of time to see changes, unlike other forms of therapy."

Couples/relationship therapy is a relatively new service offered by MDLIVE, which acquired Breakthrough in 2014. Breakthrough behavorial health services are available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., while behavioral health prescribing services are in 20 states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia.

Breakthrough can be accessed on Breakthrough.com or the Breakthrough App, which is available for download on iOS and Android. Users will need to set up a free account, after which they can browse therapists and schedule a video consult with the therapist of their choice. The cost per visit is based on the therapist selected; however, Breakthrough accepts most insurance plans. ePrescription services may be available from individual subscribers listed on the Breakthrough marketplace. Common conditions treated include:

Addictions

Bipolar disorders

Child and adolescent issues

Depression

Eating disorders

Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender issues

Grief and loss

Life changes

Men's issues

Panic disorders

Parenting issues

Postpartum depression

Relationship and marriage issues

Stress

Trauma and PTSD

Women's issues

And more

About MDLIVE

Founded in 2009, MDLIVE is a visionary and pioneer in the digital delivery of high-quality, convenient, cost-efficient care. The company provides consumers, health plans, health systems and self-insured employers with 24/7/365 access to board-certified doctors and pediatricians via secure online video, phone or the MDLIVE App. Instead of the inconvenience and expense of ER or urgent care visits for non-emergency issues, registered users can receive a virtual consultation through the company's HIPAA and PHI-compliant secure, cloud-based platform from home or on the go, and if necessary, obtain an e-prescription. Through Breakthrough, the company's behavioral health service, MDLIVE enables consumers to schedule video appointments with licensed therapists. To learn more about how MDLIVE is using telehealth innovations to improve the delivery of healthcare, visit www.MDLIVE.com.